Description
This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe features crispy, golden shrimp coated in a flavorful mix of garlic, smoked paprika, and panko breadcrumbs. Fried to perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Hot Honey Glaze
- â…“ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and evenly season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for a flavorful base.
- Prepare Dredging Stations: Arrange three separate bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs—to create a wet and dry coating station for the shrimp.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp first in the flour, then dip into the buttermilk, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place coated shrimp on a tray to set.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature. Drain shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and the butter is melted, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the crispy fried shrimp or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for added flavor and heat. Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness in the glaze.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, and ensure they are thoroughly dried before seasoning.
- Maintain the oil temperature during frying to avoid greasy shrimp.
- Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their crispiest.
